How Can an In-Home Caregiver Help Those Living with COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease does not have to interfere with living a long and happy life.
There are several ways you can thrive, despite a COPD diagnosis. With the proper medication, treatment and COPD care plan it is entirely possible to live a long, healthy and happy life with COPD. It is important to note that all chronic care for COPD should be suggested by or run by a medical professional, as they are experts on individual diagnoses and prescribed care plans.
Caregivers can allow individuals with COPD to live freely, independently and comfortably in their own home while they undergo treatment for the illness. Since caregivers will come directly to the patient’s home, it is far more comfortable for the patient rather than uprooting their life to move into a skilled nursing facility or home specifically for those who are sick. Living in a comfortable and familiar environment can improve the individuals’ mood, outlook on their illness and their overall willpower to fight against this disease.
In-home caregivers can provide a wide variety of services to individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Perhaps the two most beneficial roles a caregiver plays is being the master of reminding patients to take their medications and helping prepare meals. As life becomes busy and illness clouds the mind, it can be challenging for patients to remember the small things that are important in their care plan. With a caregiver there to remind the patient to take their appropriate medication at the proper time, the care plan can be followed to a tee, leaving family and friends at ease that they are obeying by their prescribed care plan. Furthermore, having a caregiver there to help the individual prepare healthy and nutritious meals will take the guessing out of their nutrition plan.
In addition to meal-preparation and medication reminders, a caregiver can assist with light housekeeping, accompanying the patient to their medical appointments and provide personal care. Alternatively, to physical help, an in-home caregiver can also act as a companion to the individual living with COPD during this difficult time in their life. They can act as a support system to that person during a challenging time when they may feel alone or overwhelmed.
Can a Caregiver Help the Family of an Individual with COPD?
Caring for a COPD patient at home can be challenging and overwhelming, as it is a very big responsibility. As a familial caregiver, it is important to recognize the signs of caregiver burnout and when quality of life begins to suffer due to caregiving stress. Respite care is the act of a professional caregiver coming in to temporarily relieve a familial caregiver in order to give them a mental, emotional or physical break. Respite care is a viable option for primary caregivers that are caring for someone with advanced COPD, giving the familial caregiver a much-needed break from their caregiving duties. It is important to remember that being there for your loved ones requires mental clarity, sharpness and focus that can be compromised during the stages of exhaustion.
Respite care is a viable option for familial caregivers that may need a break to run errands, spend time with other loved ones, attend functions or parties or simply take time to care for themselves. Using respite care should never be seen as being ‘lazy’ or taking the ‘easy way out of caregiving’ but rather a tool to use when the weight of being a caregiver is simply too much for a single person. Respite care is a respectable option for familial and primary caregivers and should be used when or if it is needed. A reputable home care agency will assist primary caregivers with creating a care plan that fits their needs, as well as the needs of their loved one suffering from COPD.
How Can 24 Hour Home Care Help?
24 Hour Home Care is an award-winning home care company based in California, Texas and Arizona, focusing on non-medical in-home care. If you or your loved one is suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 24 Hour Home Care can help! Allow a caregiver to care for your family and put your mind at ease with pristine customer service, customized care plans and caregiver 24/7 availability. 24 Hour Home Care is here to help you navigate through life with COPD.
